Preview Mode Links will not work in preview mode

Simplify and Enjoy Podcast

  1. All Episodes
  2. Frugal Foodie: Eating Well on a Budget

Frugal Foodie: Eating Well on a Budget

Jul 15, 2019

Learn the frugal foodie tactics and strategies on how to slash your food bills while eating well!

The Art of Being a Frugal Foodie

How much do you spend on food? 

If you’re like most families, chances are it’s a big part of your budget. 

The USDA puts together a monthly report that looks into average food expenses.

They break it down into thrifty, low-cost, moderate, and liberal spending plans based on how old your kids are. 

And the monthly costs for a family of four vary from $567 – $1296.

Like I mentioned last episode when you’re working as a family towards financial independence, you have to look for big wins. 

Mastering your food expenses is a big win, but….

If you think I’m going to tell you to skip eating out or only make these basic dishes, I’m not. 

Food is something I don’t like to skimp out on.

We want to eat better and enjoy our meals, whether it’s at home (which is most of the time) or when we’re out. 

So if you look at our budget, it’s a big category for us relative to other expenses.

But it doesn’t blow our budget and we’re still able to save for other important goals.  

And looking over the past year, our spending is around the USDA’s thrifty and low-cost plan. 

The challenge – besides being smarter with money – is also finding ways to get meals up and ready in a relatively short time. 

After work it’s tempting to grab some food on the way home. 

So we need to have things set up so preparing a tasty meal is a snap. 

And when we do it out – because yes, we like to go out sometimes, we try to maximize the experience. 

So if you want to get a handle on your food bill and still have a good time, I think you’ll enjoy this episode. 

I’ve recruited some others to help. 

Besides having a masters in nutrition, author Shanah Bell is also a busy mom of five.

Finding meals are all of her kids enjoy can be tricky, but she has strategies that make meals less stressful, healthy, and fun. 

Patrick Livingston is also a foodie and loves trying new things that are off the beaten path.

He also has some creative ideas on how to make those nights out even more special while still sticking to your budget. 

We’re going to look at this from two sides:

  • How to make tasty, quick and affordable meals
  • How to enjoy a meal out so that’s it’s special and you’re not breaking the budget

Let’s get started!

Resources to Become a Frugal Foodie

If you’re looking to eat better while sticking to your budget, here are some resources to check out:

Thank You to Our Sponsor Coastal!

Support for this podcast comes from Coastal Credit Union! If you’re living in the Raleigh Durham area and looking to bank better, come check out Coastal today.

If you’re looking for a rewards card that fits you, Coastal has a Signature Premier Rewards Visa Credit Card with some great benefits!

Support the Podcast!

Thank you so much for listening to the podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and found it helpful, here are some ways to support it.

  • Spread the word! If you enjoyed this episode and think it can help a buddy get on the path to dumping debt and become financially free, please share.
  • Leave a review. Honest feedback and reviews make a big difference and gets the word out about the podcast. Leave your review on Apple or Stitcher.
  • Grab a copy of Jumpstart Your Marriage and Your Money. My book is designed for a busy couple to set up their finances in 4 weeks. Get tips and tools that have worked for other couples on their journey of building their marriage and wealth together!

Music Credit

Like the music in this episode? Our theme song is by Gentle Regime. Additional music by Lee Rosevere.